Service: Biology

TORSKAL is a preclinical biotech company composed of a competent team of biology researchers with access to two fully equipped lab platforms in La Réunion and in Paris. Our researchers are able to perform experimentations in different biology domain and more particularly, i.e. in vitro and in vivo preclinical assays in efficacy studies, toxicity studies and also biodistribution. Accelerate your oncology program by using our expertise.

Kindly have a look at the different services we offer under biotechnology and contact us for a quote request or if you have any questions.

1. In Vitro Preclinical Assays:

We perform in vitro preclinical studies, including efficacy and toxicity, for a wide range of molecules and nanoparticles. Our team of experts has the experience to support your pharmacology studies by assessing the efficacy and the toxicity of your compounds on the model of your choice. Our experts could advise you on the most pertinent cell line to use and develop the right experimental protocol to answer your questions. Outsourcing this tedious screen work may save precious time your company needs to concentrate on analyzing data and planning the next experiments.

To perform these tests, we have several cell lines available coming from ATCC: T-24, HT-1376, 5637 (human bladder carcinoma cell lines), DU145 (human prostate cell line), MIA PaCa-2 (human pancreatic carcinoma line) and B16 (murine melanoma cell line). If necessary we can order other cell lines.

  • Efficacy studies: anti-proliferation test and screening in vitro

We propose in vitro screenings of banks of molecules on a wide range of cell lines. By following the cell proliferation after treatment with the bank of a molecule of your choice you will be able to select a lead molecule for your oncology program.

We also offer in vitro efficacy studies of your lead molecule by monitoring cell proliferation, the gene of interest expression, and protein activation according to your needs.

  • Toxicity studies: In Vitro

Our team of experts can perform all kinds of non-regulatory toxicity assays on the cell line of your choice. This information obtained quickly will permit you to define a maximum dose for your lead molecule in your oncology program and not waste time focusing on toxic concentrations.

2. In Vivo Preclinical Assays:

In vivo tests can be performed on different species: mouse, rat or rabbits. Our main supplier is Janvier Labs.

  • Efficacy studies: anti-tumor activity test in vivo

We propose in vivo efficacy studies of candidate oncology therapies in xenograft or orthotopic tumor models using human or murine tumor cell lines. Human cancer cell lines are typically engrafted in immunocompromised mice such as nude mice. A typical study includes the following groups (5 mice per group):

  • Vehicle control group

  • Reference compound group

  • Test item groups (2-3 concentrations)

Tumor-bearing mice are grouped to get homogenous tumor volume at the beginning of the study. The test item can be administered via the chosen route of administration (i.v., p.o., i.p., and s.c.) with different frequencies (for example once or twice a week). Animals are monitored 2 times per week for body weights, clinical observations, and tumor size (using digital calipers). Tumor volume (mm3) is calculated using the “(W x W x L) / 2” formula, where W is tumor width and L is tumor length.

The typical study duration is 60 days or until individual tumors reach a 1500 mm3 endpoint. Sample collection can be performed at the end of the study.

  • General Toxicology Studies: Acute and maximum tolerated dose studies

Acute single toxicity and maximum tolerated dose studies are required to determine the doses that will be tested in the efficacy study. The information generated in acute studies along with dose range-finding assessments is used to guide the design and selection of dose levels for subsequent subchronic and chronic toxicity studies.

We can advise the selection of appropriate in vivo models and routes of administration for optimum study results for preclinical toxicology.

The selection of appropriate dose levels for toxicity studies is of great importance in assessing risk.

  • Biodistribution

We propose in vivo biodistribution studies of candidate oncology therapies in xenograft models using human or murine tumor cell lines or in healthy mice. Human cancer cell lines are typically engrafted in immunocompromised mice such as nude mice.

Your compound can be injected using a different route of administration (i.v., p.o., i.p., and s.c.) and organs/blood can be collected at the chosen frequency. We can help you to define the date of collection and the organs to collect.

All of the samples will be sent to the lab you want to be analyzed.